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Hi @SirExie,
For a one-off job like this, buying a set of expensive extension bars does start to feel like overkill, especially if you’ll never use them again. With the tradie, even if the quote is more than $100, you’re paying for the skill, the right tools, and the guarantee that the job will be done properly. Drilling through a noggin with stacked extension bars can be tricky. Connections can loosen, the drill might not have enough power, and you risk the bits binding or even getting stuck inside the wall.
Another option is to create easier access. If possible, you could cut a small section of plasterboard to reach the noggin directly, drill it with standard bits, and then patch the wall afterwards. This avoids the need for specialist extensions and makes the task much more straightforward. I'm not aware of any hire services for such extension bars, so the safest and least stressful approach is probably either using a tradie or temporarily opening the wall to get at the noggin.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
Thanks Mitchell,
Opening up the wall did occur to me, but that would need me to patch the plaster and paint, neither of which excites me! 
The tradie option would work, but you are right, paying for the skill and labour is going to be more $
I have come up with a 3rd idea, what if I buy the extensions, do the job and then offer them up on Facebook marketplace ? if I could recover 50% of the cost then I've got the job done pretty cheap and the tools can go to use by someone else (hopefully).
I guess the question with this theory is - would anyone buy them ? hard to tell as there are none for sale. So maybe there is demand thats not been met ? or maybe no one buys these things. ha! I might give it a punt and see how I get on.
Hello @SirExie
I understand that you are not too keen with patching plaster and re-painting, but just to give you a perspective on the cost:
- Parfix 1kg Ready To Use Multipurpose Filler $12.10
- Taubmans 1L White Low Sheen Easycoat All Walls Paint $41.90 (can be tinted to your wall colour, no extra cost)
- Paint Partner 230mm Paint Roller Kit - 230mm $6.00
Versus the number of extensions, you'll need to drill the hole. If the plasterboard is cleanly cut and properly removed you'll be able to use the same panel and fill in the cut line. You can imagine what might happen if the extension along with the drill bit binds inside your wall and you are forced to cut the wall open. Any extra filler or paint left can be used to paint and patch any of your walls that may need it. The roller can be washed in water and re-used for any future projects. But I leave the choice up to you on which method you would like to pursue.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
